learning theory

• learning theory

  • classical conditioning
  • operant conditioning
• what is classical conditioning learnt through

  association
• what is operant conditioning learnt through

  reinforcement
• classical conditioning

  • unconditioned stimulus - food = unconditioned response - happy baby
  • unconditioned stimulus - food + neutral stimulus - caregiver = unconditioned response - happy baby
  • conditioned stimulus - caregiver = conditioned response - happy baby
• operant conditioning

  • positive reinforcement - smiling makes caregiver smile
  • negative reinforcement - responding to cries makes crying stop
• dollard and miller

  • hungry infants have a drive to get food
  • positive reinforcement - food is given = drive is reduced - behaviour likely to repeat
  • food is the primary reinforcer
• learning theory ao3

  • says that its about WHO - harlow says its about contact comfort
  • food may not be the only reinforcer
  • not generalisable - only on babies
  • doesnt explain why attachment happens - only how